US keeps an eye on Rahul Gandhi's case, highlighting significance of freedom of expression
text_fields
Washington: The United States is watching the court case of Congress party leader Rahul Gandhi, US State Department's main deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel said on Monday while observing that the country continues to engage with India on the shared commitment towards democratic principles and the protection of human rights, including freedom of expression.
Talking to reporters at a news conference on Monday, Vedant Patel said, "Respect for the rule of law and judicial independence is a cornerstone of any democracy. We are watching Mr Gandhi's case in Indian courts and we engage with the Government of India on our shared commitment to democratic values, including freedom of expression."
"In our engagements with our Indian partners, we continue to highlight the importance of democratic principles and the protection of human rights, including freedom of expression, as a key to strengthening both our democracies," he said.
Responding to a question, Patel said it is normal and standard for the United States to engage with members of opposition parties in any country where it has bilateral relationships.
Rahul Gandhi was sentenced to two years in jail by a Surat court in a 2019 criminal defamation case on March 23 over his "why all thieves have Modi surname" remark.
A day later, he was disqualified from the Lok Sabha from the date of his conviction in the case.
Opposition parties in India stepped up their offensive against the Narendra Modi government and observed a "black day for democracy" on Monday.
The BJP condemned the ruckus created by the Opposition in Parliament and accused the Congress of resorting to "low-level politics" in its bid to justify Gandhi's remarks against the OBC community.
